Cycling Enthusiast Robert Cann Killed by Intoxicated Motorist

As friends and family mourn the death of 26-year-old Robert “Bobby” Cann, they are joined by bicycling enthusiasts throughout Chicago who are also grieving this tragic loss. Known for his passion for cycling, multi-state treks, and participation in Chicago’s monthly Mass ride, the anguish felt by community residents was clearly evident at the Memorial held in his honor following his death. The bicycle accident attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. join with residents and community activist groups alike in their efforts to push for more safety awareness and avoid preventable tragedies like this one.

The accident occurred on May 29, 2013 while Cann rode his bicycle home from work along Clybourn Avenue, near Larabee Street. As Cann traveled southeast, he was struck from behind by a Mercedes that, just prior, had collided with another vehicle. Although Cann was wearing a helmet at the time of the bicycling accident, the violent impact caused his body to be thrown from his bike, resulting in a severe laceration to his leg. He was rushed by ambulance to a nearby Chicago hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time thereafter.

According to police, the driver of the Mercedes, 28-year-old Ryne San Hamel, had a blood-alcohol content level of .127. Hamel was subsequently charged with reckless homicide, aggravated DUI, misdemeanor DUI, reckless driving, and failure to stay in the lane. In addition to Hamel’s $100,000 bond, his passport was also revoked. Undoubtedly there will be continued controversy over this incident, given Hamel’s blood-alcohol content being less than the legal limit of .08, yet Hamel having clearly been the cause of this tragic bicycle accident.

His death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of bicycling in Chicago, and its surrounding suburbs. Of particular concern are the stretches of roadway under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Transportation, due to the Department’s decision to prevent the installation of protected bike lanes along these roadways until more data could be collected. The irony of the Department’s decision, is that the very data they are awaiting, is being gathered, in part, under safety initiatives aimed at preventing bicycling accidents, and which are a shared effort of both the Chicago Department of Transportation, as well as the lllinois Department of Transportation.

If you have suffered injury in a bike accident it is important to preserve the bicycle and to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Contact the bicycle personal injury lawyers Zneimer & Zneimer as soon as possible if you need help. Our consultation is free.